Oesophageal voice acoustic parameterization by means of optimum shimmer calculation

This paper presents an algorithm which works with oesophageal voice and aims to automatically calculate different measurements of shimmer parameter. The evaluation has required a novel processing for the detection of the periodicity cycles and instants in order to calculate amplitude perturbations of vocal signals. The designed algorithm performs the calculusof pitch in an automatic way with a mean maximum inaccuracy of 0.46% for oesophageal voices which is a novelty. The shimmer calculation process has been optimized in order to obtain a higher variation range in pathological cases. Thus, it will allow using such parameter as reference in diagnosis and rehabilitation processes, reaching a 51,741% of shimmer increment for oesophageal voices. Key-Words: Oesophageal voice, Acoustic signal analysis, Acoustic measurements, Amplitude perturbation